Pune: The city’s Ganesh immersion procession witnessed a decline in average noise levels compared to the previous year, but the recorded sound levels still surpassed the prescribed limits.

This year’s event logged an average noise level of 94.8 decibels, compared to 101.3 decibels last year, as measured by a team of volunteers from the College of Engineering Pune (COEP).

The highest noise peaks were detected at Belbaug Chowk and Holkar Chowk, where levels reached a staggering 118 decibels, significantly above the permissible limits.

Average Noise Levels at 10 Major Intersections:

• Belbaug Chowk – 99.8 dB

• Ganpati Chowk – 95.8 dB

• Limbaraj Chowk – 98.1 dB

• Kunte Chowk – 94.9 dB

• Umbrya Ganpati Chowk – 92.2 dB

• Gokhale Chowk – 93.5 dB

• Shedge Vitoba Chowk – 92.8 dB

• Holkar Chowk – 94 dB

• Tilak Chowk – 96.7 dB

• Khanduji Baba Chowk – 90.2 dB

A scientific study led by COEP’s Department of Environmental Science and Applied Sciences under the supervision of Professor Mahesh Shindikar measured the noise levels every four hours at ten key intersections along Laxmi Road during the procession on Tuesday (September 17) and Wednesday (September 18).

The team of student volunteers worked to capture the fluctuating noise levels in real-time, revealing the widespread noise pollution in the city during the festive period.

According to the noise pollution control norms, noise in industrial zones should not exceed 75 decibels during the day and 70 decibels at night. For commercial areas, the limits are set at 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night.

In residential areas, the permissible levels are 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night, while in silence zones, the cap is 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.

The readings taken during the procession showed a clear violation of these standards, with traditional instruments like drums and tashas contributing significantly to the elevated noise levels.

The festival organizers, in collaboration with the police, assisted in monitoring and managing noise levels, with restrictions placed on the use of loudspeakers until Tuesday night. However, traditional instruments continued to create substantial noise, and by Wednesday morning, loud sounds dominated the streets of Laxmi Road once again.

Professor Mahesh Shindikar noted that although the use of loudspeakers was limited by police orders, the drumbeats and other instruments still caused considerable noise pollution.

The team’s data collection at ten major intersections showed the highest noise levels at Belbaug Chowk (99.8 dB), followed closely by Limbaraj Chowk (98.1 dB), Ganpati Chowk (95.8 dB), and others.